By Tatyana Bellamy-Walker For New American households, buying your first home can be the pathway to stability. Many Caribbean immigrants first came to the U.S. during the early 1900s, bought brownstones in largely white neighborhoods in Harlem and Brooklyn, then anchored dozens of generations in the U.S. According to a report by the Migration Policy…
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Understanding Property Taxes
When budgeting to buy a home, there are more costs to consider other than your mortgage payment. While you should be able to comfortably afford your monthly obligation, make sure to plan for factors such as maintenance, insurance and property taxes. Depending on where you live, these expenses can be substantial. Your property tax dollars…
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Increase Your Buying Power
You should make sure you are in good standing to receive a loan before visiting with lenders. They are quick to shy away from borrowers who have a history of negligent payments or an excessive amount of credit. Take the time to analyze and improve your financial situation to receive optimal buying power when you…
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Types of Mortgages & Home Buying FAQs
Buying a home is a big investment. For most of us, it’s the biggest loan we’ll have in our lives. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau discusses the different types of loans, many of which are available through private lenders and partially guaranteed by different federal programs, thus offering benefits for people who qualify. Talk with…
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Buying a Fixer-Upper
If you like HGTV, the idea of buying an old home and turning it into your dream home can seem fun, romantic and the perfect way to get what you’re looking for, maybe even breaking into the neighborhood or suburb you never thought you could afford. While it’s not a bad idea, you should go…
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